According to Xinhua News Agency, starting from June 9, China has implemented a trial unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. This brings the number of countries eligible for China’s unilateral visa exemption to 47. Data from travel platforms shows that on the day the policy was announced, flight searches to China from GCC countries increased by 90%, with Saudi tourists showing the highest level of interest. According to Guangzhou-based inbound tourism agencies, visitors from Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries enjoy flying to Guangzhou to go shopping, buy local specialties, sample Chinese cuisine, and experience traditional Chinese medicine. Airline sources also revealed that Guangzhou, as a major transportation and commercial hub in China, is widely known in the Middle East. Many foreign guests choose to travel to Guangzhou for business and to enjoy the city’s unique lifestyle.
Saudi Arabia Sees 235% Surge in Inbound Travel Orders in Q1; Guangzhou Tourism Products Now Available in the Middle East
From June 9, 2025 to June 8, 2026, citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain holding ordinary passports can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, cultural exchange, or transit, for stays of up to 30 days. With the addition of the UAE and Qatar—both of which have enjoyed full mutual visa exemption with China since 2018—China has now achieved complete visa-free coverage for all GCC countries.
According to Trip.com data, flight searches to China from GCC countries surged by 90% on the day the policy was announced, with Saudi travelers showing the greatest interest. In the first quarter of this year, inbound tourism bookings on Trip.com doubled year-on-year, while bookings from Saudi Arabia rose by an impressive 235%. “The visa-free policy removes the ‘last mile’ barrier to travel,” said Qin Jing, Vice President of Trip.com Group. “As China continues to ease visa requirements, it will provide direct convenience for overseas visitors conducting business and also stimulate diverse consumption in tourism, culture, and other areas.”
As the list of visa-free countries continues to grow, demand from Middle Eastern business and leisure travelers to Guangdong is also on the rise. In response to local preferences and cultural characteristics, GZL International Travel Service has developed targeted tourism products, accompanied by promotional videos and images of Guangdong for regional marketing. According to Xi Xinqiang, Deputy General Manager of the GZL inbound tourism department, local partners in the Middle East have already launched Guangdong travel products, with departures starting in early July. The offerings have attracted considerable attention, especially from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
“Buy and Refund Instantly” Policy Rolled Out Swiftly – Foreign Tourists Love Shopping in Guangzhou
Boosted by new policies, inbound tourism in Guangzhou has shown a “multiplier effect.” In the first quarter of 2025, Guangzhou received 1.187 million inbound overnight tourists, an 11.7% year-on-year increase. Among them, 498,000 were foreign visitors staying overnight, representing a 31.0% increase. Recently, the “buy and refund instantly” departure tax rebate policy has been rapidly implemented in Guangzhou. The layout of tax refund shops has been further optimized, product categories have been expanded, and foreign tourist spending in the city has been significantly stimulated.
Industry professionals are optimistic about the “buy and refund instantly” policy. “Inbound tourism is on the rise, and more overseas travel service agencies are visiting the Greater Bay Area for familiarization trips,” said Mr. Peng, Head of Marketing at Guangdong CTS. He noted that foreign tourists enjoy shopping in Guangzhou, especially at various wholesale markets. He also suggested that local merchants should expand their product categories to include more intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and Cantonese cultural and creative products.
Foreign Airlines Optimistic About Guangzhou, Plan to Increase Capacity Accordingly
According to multiple online travel platforms, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all launched direct flights to Guangzhou. Among them, Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) operates six direct flights weekly between Guangzhou and Riyadh and Jeddah. The flight occupancy rate shows healthy seasonal fluctuations and remains stable overall. In addition, Saudia also operates four weekly flights connecting Beijing with Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, an economic hub in eastern Saudi Arabia, providing a convenient air bridge for the deepening economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
“Following the announcement of China’s unilateral visa-free policy for Saudi ordinary passport holders, the market has already shown positive initial feedback. We are observing a clear trend of potential passenger growth. With continued publicity, this upward momentum is expected to be further consolidated and expanded,” said Ms. Liang, Sales Director of Saudia. She noted that this policy move will significantly inspire Middle Eastern travelers to explore Guangzhou—the “millennia-old trade city.” According to her, Saudi guests, in addition to their busy business agendas, show great interest in Guangzhou’s vibrant urban charm, including premium shopping experiences, authentic culinary culture, historic cultural sites, and traditional Chinese medicine wellness. To seize this market opportunity, Saudia is fully prepared and plans to increase flight frequency in the upcoming winter-spring season, especially during major trade events like the Canton Fair.
